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Funding by Area

Strategic Initiatives

Shape the future of every student

At Northern Arizona University, we believe higher education should be a powerful engine of opportunity and impact. Through Strategic Initiatives, we invest in programs that extend beyond any single college—programs that shape the future of every NAU student and drive statewide progress. From building a career readiness ecosystem, to advancing research with broad social impact, to fostering innovation through cross-disciplinary partnerships, your investment in strategic initiatives at NAU prepares every Lumberjack for tomorrow’s challenges.

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Elevate Access for Students

Access and Emergency Funding

Fundraising goal: $50,000 to $1 million

Many Lumberjacks are balancing more than just coursework: they are veterans, first-generation students, parents, and full-time employees. When unexpected hardships like housing insecurity, medical bills, or food insecurity arise, even the most determined students can face the difficult choice between staying in school or stepping away. Student access and emergency funds provide immediate, flexible support that removes barriers and keeps Lumberjacks on track for graduation. Your gift prevents short-term setbacks from becoming lost opportunities.

Access2Excellence: Guarantees full tuition coverage for eligible undergraduate Arizona residents whose household income is $65,000 or less as well as members of Arizona’s 22 federally recognized Tribes

First-Generation Student Support: Advising, peer mentoring, and tailored resources that help first-generation students succeed

Gap Assistance Funding: Addresses essential, non-tuition expenses to help students reach their full potential

LouieCare: A discounted health care plan designed for students who need affordable access to medical appointments, lab tests, immunizations, and counseling at NAU Campus Health Services

Louie’s Cupboard: Offers free, reliable access to free groceries for Lumberjacks in need

Lumberjack Emergency Assistance Fund (LEAF): Provides grants for emergency services and essential needs ranging from rent for housing, textbooks, groceries, and more

Lumberjack Housing Assistance Fund: Short-term rent and emergency housing support that keeps students housed and enrolled

STAR Summer Bridge: A summer transition program for incoming students to build academic skills, peer networks, and confidence before classes begin—helping reduce first-semester challenges and improve retention

Student Veteran Support: Benefits navigation, mentorship, academic advising, and wraparound services to ensure their success

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Elevate Academic Excellence

AI and Advanced Technologies

Fundraising goal: $50,000 to $1 million

NAU is moving boldly to become an AI-augmented university, where the ethical use of technology and a commitment to access open new pathways for discovery, teaching, and opportunity. As we scale AI-related innovation across the university, we have launched the Institute for Advancing Applications in Artificial Intelligence, the Northern Arizona AI Futures Alliance, and made major investments in our digital infrastructure and training. Strategic investments will expand faculty expertise and strengthen industry partnerships to enhance the student experience through application of AI and data science to address real life challenges—from healthcare and business to climate and engineering.

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Enhancing the value of a college degree

The 100% Career Ready initiative equips students with confidence, experience, and real-world skills.

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Elevate Academic Excellence

Workforce Development and Career Readiness

Fundraising goal: $50,000 to $1 million

NAU is committed to ensuring every student graduates 100% career ready. This means every degree program embeds the skills, experiences, and networks students need to launch—and advance—their careers. Through internships, research, global learning, and hands-on projects, students develop the competencies employers value most.

Whether through entrepreneurship in the Venture Studio, clinical and field placements in healthcare, capstone projects in engineering, lab-based discovery in the sciences, conference presentations, and study abroad, your investment connects and expands these opportunities, ensuring all students can participate.

Your support sustains the university’s bold commitment to preparing every Lumberjack to thrive in a rapidly changing workforce.

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Share your time and talent to help future generations prepare and thrive.

Stories of impact

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Academic excellence

$5.2 million gift advances STEM success at NAU

The funds provide support for STEM students and faculty through scholarships, housing assistance, and math readiness programming.
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Academic excellence

100% Career Ready initiative equips students with real-world skills 

With a focus on value, the initiative helps every NAU student turn education into opportunity.
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Access for students

Unrestricted gift propels NAU forward

Gift inspired by NAU’s commitment to academic excellence and promotion of critical thinking.